The 27-year-old was already in high demand despite not yet hitting free agency, as seemingly every day a new report came out saying a team planned to make a run at him in 2017. As of right now, Westbrook signing a three-year extension with the franchise proves he wants to be the man. The new contract keeps Westbrook under contract for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, and he will hold a player option for the 2018-19 season. Russell will then pocket $28.5 million for the succeeding year and a $30.6 million player option for the last term of his new contract.
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The move makes sense as Westbrook is functionally only adding a single season to his contract. The Thunder have reached the conference finals in four of the past six seasons, but advanced to the NBA Finals only once, falling to the Miami Heat in 2012.
He also addressed Kevin Durant’s departure for the first time, revealing that he found out through social media.
Asked whether Durant’s choosing the Warriors stings more, Westbrook was blunt. I don’t know. It’s easy for someone else to tell me what I should do, but you guys don’t know how that whole thing (went down).
“I just tried to focus on me but also realize that the relationships that I had, I still wanted those to be – I’m sure they won’t be the same…” “There is, I think, even more room for him to grow and you’re to see an even better player over time”.
Enthusiasm for Westbrook’s signing extended to the Oklahoma City city hall, with mayor Mick Cornett proclaiming Thursday Russell Westbrook Day.
Now, many are expecting Westbrook to be as dominant as he was during that season, and many consider him to be an MVP candidate in the coming year.
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Westbrook has played all eight seasons of his National Basketball Association career with Oklahoma City, averaging 21.5 points, 7.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 587 games while teaming up with forward Kevin Durant. Hence, head coach Billy Donovan and general manager Sam Presti can now sleep a whole lot better with the assurance that they don’t have to look for some other star to rebuild the team.
